Stretch ceiling canvases appeared not so long ago, but they managed to gain popularity. Today it is a popular interior design option. Those who refuse this decor refer to the need for careful treatment, as well as expensive repairs in case of force majeure. However, in some situations, you can repair a stretch ceiling with your own hands, although this will require some effort.
Features of the
Among the advantages of stretch fabrics are:
- moisture resistance;
- high speed and ease of installation;
- aesthetic appeal;
- a wide range of colors and textures;
- creates a perfectly flat surface.
Disadvantages, frequent defects:
- cuts from sharp things;
- holes that appear when inaccurate;
- lagging profile;
- sagging material;
- seam ruptures;
- flooding;
- reflow from lamps.
If we analyze in detail the working characteristics of the materials of the working blade, then the base must withstand very serious loads.
What causes troubles that require financial and labor costs? Most often, cuts are found after attaching the eaves, with furniture redevelopment, when replacing communication systems.
The material can tear even from an ordinary thrown toy, and a cork from an unsuccessfully opened sparkling drink can also cause a hole in the canvas. Wherein holes that appear in the canvas can increase significantly within just a few hours.
If this happens, the tensioning fabric will most likely have to be changed completely. However, this does not mean that you need to install the entire system from scratch. The hinged system remains in place, specialists should only take into account the replacement of the blade.
If the puncture, hole or sagging is small, you need to read the sequence of actions and try to repair it yourself. In this case, first of all, it is worth considering the type and material of manufacture. The canvases that are used for the installation of ceilings are based on fabric or film.
A type
Film ceilings are usually made of PVC, with a smooth surface, there is a satin type of film. It is matte, but softly reflects light, creating an effect of additional comfort.
The fabrics are porous in appearance. The fibers used in production are natural, less often synthetic. This type of canvas is best suited for a bathroom or kitchen, since it is better than the fabric version to cope with flooding.
It is believed that PVC fabric retains its special sensitivity to mechanical stress for several days after installation. Defects that appear on the film coating are more difficult to eliminate, but even here there are some tricks.
The fabric ceiling can be easily repaired after mechanical damage. You can paint the canvas yourself in a different color.
Fabrics are usually wide, so they are better suited for installation in living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms.
Material
Depending on the material used, the performance characteristics of the structures differ. The country of origin is also important, but on average the indicator reaches 15 years.
Some users also note the thirty-year service life of the canvases, but with the proviso of careful care and respect.
Stretch ceiling materials are really durable and will be attractive if you follow the rules of simple maintenance. The rules for cleaning cloths allow the use of non-abrasive cleaning agents, soft rags or sponges.
Stretch fabric materials will require infrequent washing, since the manufacturer supplies the fabric and film with antistatic properties. If the house has a washing vacuum cleaner, then this unit can be successfully used to clean the stretch ceiling. This will ensure easy maintenance, material preservation and a clean surface.
In addition to maintenance, it is important to regularly inspect materials for the appearance of various defects. Next, consider the options for doing small repairs with your own hands.
How to do it yourself?
Choose a repair method depending on the type of damage and the installed material. The ability to independently repair the surface is interconnected with the volume of the damaged area.
If torn
It should be understood that a stretch fabric is a film or fabric layer that is damaged by something sharp. For example, this could be the corner of a cabinet if you decide to move it to a new location. If the ceiling is torn due to careless rearrangement, the defect can be easily eliminated. This must be done very carefully so as not to damage the canvas even more.
The rupture of the canvas can happen along the seam or near the baguette. Such cases are considered warranty (only if no one pierced the ceiling with a sharp object), since the common reasons for their appearance:
- poor quality installation;
- incorrect cutting;
- defect of the manufacturer (just burst from tension).
Such defects do not need to be eliminated on your own. Call the firm and call the installer. He must ensure that repairs are made in a timely manner at the expense of the company.
Sagging (water flooding, poor installation)
This defect occurs after flooding. It most often occurs in the bathroom or kitchen. The consequences depend on the type of material, the temperature of the liquid that appears inside the ceiling system, the stage of detection of damage (for example, you have not been at home for a long time).
The PVC film cover has the property of being permanently stretched. Also, the canvas cannot be returned to its original state if the water that appears is very hot.
Fabric ceilings will also require a complete replacement., since after the floods there are stains and stains that cannot be stained.
Sagging of the web can become a visible defect after several years of operation of the structure. This happens with a very large web area.
The stretch fabric can also sag with frequent temperature changes. Sometimes at high temperatures the edges of PVC films melt. In this case, the material may fall altogether.
Repair types
Eliminating cuts is a simple measure if the canvas is fabric. Choose suitable nylon threads in the base color. Sew the cut while it is small.
If the defect is not a cut, but a hole, it can be fixed with a strip of fiberglass or special tissue tape. Press the edges of the patch firmly against the hole and hold with your hands for a bit, then release. To eliminate visible traces of repair, paint the fabric with a water-based pigment.… The cut film must be quickly sealed with tape or duct tape. Otherwise, the gap will continue further.
Decorative patches are often installed in places where PVC film breaks. Contrasting applications can be easily glued with a sealant. Press the patch against the canvas for a while. Remove excess adhesive with a dry cloth. After such a creative renovation, the glossy ceiling will look more interesting. Graphic elements in design language are called photoprints. Printed ceilings are expensive.
If a hole has formed in the glossy canvas, then a lamp or other decorative element can be mounted in its place. In this case, the film is cut out under a special plastic ring, inside which the selected element is installed.
If the cut is formed near the wall, then the canvas is pulled over, while the hole is retracted into the groove of the baguette.
In the event of a flood, which resulted in the sagging of the stretch ceiling, the repair will consist in dismantling the lamp or chandelier. It can also be any other built-in element through which water can subsequently be released.
Before starting work related to the elimination of the flood, turn off the electricity in the switchboard. This will keep you safe and also prevent short circuits.
Check the cause of the leak and stop the water supply. Climb to the top of the residents and make sure the water supply is shut off. Cover the flooring and furniture in the room with plastic.
Estimate approximately how much water has accumulated under the ceiling. Prepare a container for filling with water. Decide on a spot on the surface to drain through. Find a stable ladder. Get ready for a lengthy process.
Draining will be accelerated by a low-power pump with a suitable rubber hose.
The mounting ring of a chandelier or lamp can act as a technical hole. Slowly pull this hole towards you so that it is below the bubble level. It is good if you have an assistant who will substitute a container for filling with water under the hole. Do not stretch the canvas too much, but also try not to leave liquid residues inside the ceiling space.
In the absence of lamps and chandeliers, you can detach the edge of the canvas, but in this case the wall will suffer. Because of the water, surface finishing materials, for example, wallpaper, will get wet. It will be possible to return the canvas and lamps to their place only after the canvas is completely dry.
After complete drying, the canvas will regain its shape. The wait may take several days. Drying the canvas thoroughly with a hair dryer will not only speed up the process, but also prevent mold. Special care is needed in handling the device, otherwise you can get burned in the canvas.
Only after complete drying can the lighting fixtures be returned to their place or the canvas back into the mount if the repair was made without using a technical hole.
For information on how to properly drain water from a stretch ceiling, see the next video.
Successful examples and options
A good option for installing a glossy canvas with lighting fixtures along the edge of the structure. The technical openings of the luminaires will serve their purpose in case of flooding and sagging of the canvas.
A creative option for restoring the film after a large cut. Two canvases of different colors are combined here.
A good solution for a large area. Fabric ceiling in a beautiful plasterboard frame. This will eliminate the sagging of the web, which can occur over a large area after some time of operation.
A standard and common interior detail is the classic wave on the ceiling. In this version, drywall is combined with a film, a very fashionable design option is obtained.
A very effective structure with a stretch ceiling, which will visually increase the space with low ceilings in a small apartment. In addition, parts of the structure can be easily replaced independently or with the help of specialists.